Tuscan Roadtrip: Lucca 

The final leg of our Tuscan roadtrip takes us to the magical town of Lucca, the birthplace of Italian composer Puccini.

After a few days in Florence, it was time for our destination – Lucca. Originally, the plan was to stay at the luxury resort Castelfelli, but they were closing early for some renovations. Reworking our itinerary, we stumbled upon a new boutique hotel nestled in the hill called La Monastica. 

Luxury Boutique Hotel with Views

Opening its doors in August 2024, La Monastica, a luxury hotel in the hills overlooking the Valdinievole Valley, did not disappoint. The former 16th-century monastery was painstakingly restored into a beautiful boutique hotel. All of its 19 rooms have its own unique layout, design, and decor, blending architectural features with modern touches. The hotel grounds are immaculate with stunning panoramic views over its nine terraces and beautiful medieval tower. 

The lovely staff kindly gave us an upgrade to the gorgeous “Dimora Della Nobile” suite. At 75sqm, the suite was larger than our first London flat with a massive bathroom, separate living room, and a loft area. The best part of this room is the glorious views of the garden and the valley. La Monastica also has a gym, two seasonal pools, and wellness area. There is an indoor “rock spa,”  which we booked for an exclusive use. The restaurant Devoti occupying the former St. Scolastica church was excellent, a very memorable meal if not the best meal we had in Tuscany using high quality ingredients. Overall, a lovely experience at this beautiful boutique hotel with friendly staff and charismatic owners. A perfect place for a romantic couples getaway, but caters also for families with well-mannered children. 

Lucca: The Walled City

We took a half-day trip to Lucca, a beautiful Renaissance-era walled city. It is perfectly well-preserved retaining its historic charm and beauty. 

Lucca’s city wall stretches around 4.2 km which is now a pedestrianised promenade filled with fitness enthusiasts and families. Inside Lucca’s old town features elegant cobblestone streets, refined piazzas, historic churches, and historic buildings. Like many Renaissance towns in Tuscan, Lucca is brimming with historic churches (Lucca Cathedral and the Church of San Michele and medieval towers (Guinigi Tower). 

Lucca also hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year including the Lucca half-marathon which starts along the city walls; Lucca Comics & Games festival in the autumn, and a lovely Christmas Market “Lucca Magico Natale.” Lucca is simply a lovely town for strolling, window-shopping, and soaking up the charming atmosphere. Definitely worth putting on your list of towns to visit. 

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And that’s a wrap for our Tuscan roadtrip! From lovely hilltop towns to walled cities; from Nobile di Montepulicano to Brunello; from pecorino to bistecca di Florentine; from lovely countryside and valley views; Tuscany you are gorgeous! We hope to visit again soon. And next time we will not miss the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Ciao Italia!